There is no doubt the financial services industry has seen economic challenges over the past six years.

But as growth has become a universal priority in 2015, there are also some new considerations for banks and credit unions. Some of those hot topics include the use of technology, mobile banking and cybersecurity.

In the past year, Riverfront has released an easy-to-navigate website that allows the same experience whether you are logging on from your desktop, tablet or mobile device,” Czulada said.

Czulada said Riverfront also introduced a mobile banking app for the iPhone and Android that offers the same features as online banking.

William Long, administrative vice president for corporate banking at M&T Bank, 50 N. Fifth St., said it offers business customers all of the bells and whistles when it comes to services and technology.”

From a small-business perspective, we offer bundled products,” he said. “We offer a core set of bundles. Customers can then add things, such as remote checking deposit.”

M&T offers state-of-the-art products and services, and we do not lack for anything when it comes to business banking, Long said.

Long explained that with a mobile phone app, a business customer can scan a check with a mobile phone and funds will be deposited into the account once the check clears. “We are also developing a retail app for individual customers which could hopefully be ready this year,” he said.

Czulada said Riverfront offers account opening and funding through its website, including an online kit to switch accounts from other institutions to Riverfront. “Often moving accounts is the barrier to switching to a better financial institution,” she explained. “This process takes just a few minutes.”

Along with technology come issues of cybersecurity for both business and individual customers. “I think my concern for business customers of all sizes is that they simply cannot be diligent enough today,” Long said.

Long said he recommends business customers address security issues with their Internet provider and designate a stand-alone PC for banking purposes.

Long said: “Any business accepting merchant cards must be PCI compliant or be subject to fines by industry. The biggest issue is susceptibility to being compromised.”

Long said any small business that is not PCI compliant should talk with its banking institution.

This month Riverfront President and CEO Tim McLeod addressed employees and summarizing the past year.